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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
Overview
The Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology offers an introduction to core concepts and skills in epidemiology, statistical research methods and quantitative analysis of health data aimed at prevention, protection and promotion of health in the community.
You will learn from acclaimed Menzies School of Health Research researchers and experts in the field. Career opportunities for graduates include epidemiological roles in health or clinical research.
On completion, you can articulate to the Graduate Diploma and Masters of Public Health, or the Graduate Diploma and Master of Health Research.
This course requires a high level of academic reading and writing. If you are not confident in your academic literacy skills, you are encouraged to fully utilise the university's academic support services.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities for graduates include epidemiological roles in health or clinical research.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

Why study Public Health at CDU?
Now more than ever, the world needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. CDU and Menzies School of Health Research partner to deliver postgraduate public health and health research courses. You will learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and tropical health outcomes
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you

Why study Public Health at CDU?
Now more than ever, the world needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. CDU and Menzies School of Health Research partner to deliver postgraduate public health and health research courses. You will learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Work with health agencies and complete your own community health project

Why study Public Health at CDU?
Now more than ever, the world needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. CDU and Menzies School of Health Research partner to deliver postgraduate public health and health research courses. You will learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and tropical health outcomes
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you

Why study Public Health at CDU?
Now more than ever, the world needs public health experts to develop evidence-based strategies that benefit the community. CDU and Menzies School of Health Research partner to deliver postgraduate public health and health research courses. You will learn to understand and address public health issues on a local and global scale, creating an array of career opportunities in policy making, research and disease prevention, health promotion, and more.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Work with health agencies and complete your own community health project
What will I study?
The Graduate Certificate of Epidemiology is a one year part-time course. The core units cover a selection of essential knowledge and skills in epidemiology. On completion, you can articulate to the Graduate Diploma and Master of Health Research or Public Health. Delivered externally online; some units are offered with an internal option.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
Core Units (4 units) | 40cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 40 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: PHM552 Epidemiology PHM553 Biostatistics PHM566 Chronic Conditions Control PHM570 Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Diseases |
40cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
PHM552 Epidemiology | CO | PHM553 Biostatistics | CO |
PHM566 Chronic Conditions Control | CO | PHM570 Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Disease | CO |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's degree. Registered nurses who are graduates of a hospital-based program are also eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student

The educational system in place at Menzies is excellent. The professors and staff fully support the students in every way and the campus provides complete facilities for learning.
Julie
CDU student

The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student

The educational system in place at Menzies is excellent. The professors and staff fully support the students in every way and the campus provides complete facilities for learning.
Julie
CDU student

Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about public health at CDU
Bishal is from Nepal studying a Graduate Diploma of Health Research + Master of Public Health) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about public health at CDU
Bishal is from Nepal studying a Graduate Diploma of Health Research + Master of Public Health) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
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